Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card
Financial Expert Advice
Choose Your First (or Next) Credit Card Wisely
"Limit yourself to holding two credit cards A/C—one for daily expenses and auto-debits, and another reserved for emergencies.
Avoid chasing cashback, miles, rewards or Investments, as this can distract from sound financial management;
and lead to unnecessary debt. Focus on stability & discipline."
Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card Review
"Designed for the Discerning"
Introduction
The Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card is a super-premium offering, designed for India’s most discerning travelers and high-net-worth individuals. With a focus on luxury travel, exclusive lifestyle benefits, and a high reward rate, it stands as one of the most aspirational credit cards in the country. While its annual fee is steep, the card’s suite of benefits—including unlimited domestic and international lounge access, premium hotel and dining memberships, and exclusive golf privileges—make it a top choice for those who demand the best in travel and lifestyle, Here’s a detailed review to help you decide if this card is right for you.
Key Features and Benefits
Welcome Benefits
- 15,000 Reward Points on Card activation*
Reward Structure
- Domestic spends 15 EDGE REWARD points for every ₹200 spent, International spends2X (30 points).
- Excludes fuel, insurance, gold, wallet, etc.
- Reward Redemption: Points can be transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs at a 5:2 ratio (but with caps: max 1 lakh points to Group A partners and 4 lakh points to Group B partners per year).
Lounge Access
Unlimited domestic and international lounge access for primary and add-on cardholders.
Up to 12 free guest visits per year.
Dining and Lifestyle
- Complimentary EazyDiner Prime membership (up to 25% off at premium restaurants).
- Club ITC Culinaire, Accor Plus, and Club Marriott memberships for exclusive hotel benefits.
- Exclusive offers at Oberoi hotels and resorts.
Golf and Entertainment
- 50 free golf rounds per year at select courses.
- Free tickets and discounts on BookMyShow (subject to ongoing offers).
- Buy 1 movie ticket and get upto ₹500 off on the second ticket for a maximum of 5 times a month.
- Buy 1 non-movie ticket and get upto ₹1000 off on the second ticket for a maximum of 5 times a month.
Insurance and Security
- Purchase protection of ₹2 Lakhs.
- Loss/Delay in baggage & Personal Documents $500.
- Credit shield: ₹5 Lakhs.
EMV chip and PIN security.
Forex Markup
1.5% foreign currency markup fee, among the lowest for super-premium cards.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
- Fuel surchage waiver of 1% for transaction between ₹400 to ₹4000 (Capped at Rs. 400 per month).
Annual Fee and Charges
- Joining Fee ₹50,000 + GST
- Annual Fee ₹50,000 + GST Waived on annual spends of ₹35+ lakh.
Struggling to keep up with mounting credit card bills?
Card Essential
| Type | Reward Points |
| Welcome Benefits | 15,000 Reward Points*. |
| Annual Fee | ₹50,000 + GST |
| Reward Structure | Rewards On SPENDS |
| Renewal Benefit | Spend ₹35 Lakh+ annually, get your renewal fee waived. |
Rewards and Benefits Analysis
The Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card is best suited for high spenders who travel frequently and value luxury experiences. Its unlimited lounge access, premium hotel and dining memberships, and exclusive golf benefits are unmatched in the Indian market. However, recent devaluations—such as the removal of the annual points benefit and changes to the miles transfer program—mean that the card’s value proposition has diminished slightly for some users.
Practical Considerations
Best for: High-net-worth individuals, frequent travelers, and those who value luxury and exclusivity.
Annual fee waiver: Requires annual spends of ₹35 lakh or more (excluding insurance, fuel, and gold/jewelry spends).
Reward caps: Miles transfer to airline and hotel partners is now capped at 1 lakh points to Group A and 4 lakh points to Group B per year.
Redemption Options
Transfer EDGE REWARD points to airline and hotel partners at a 5:2 ratio (with annual caps).
Redeem points for travel, shopping, and more via the EDGE REWARDS portal.
No minimum redemption threshold.
Ideal User Profile
Frequent travelers who want unlimited lounge access and premium hotel benefits.
High spenders who can meet the ₹35 lakh annual spend threshold for the fee waiver.
Individuals who value golf, dining, and exclusive lifestyle experiences.
Those who want comprehensive insurance and VIP concierge services.
Final Thoughts
The Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card remains one of India’s most prestigious credit cards, offering a world of luxury, travel, and lifestyle benefits. While recent devaluations have reduced its appeal for some, it is still the best choice for those who can maximize its premium perks and meet the high annual spend requirement.
Additional Tips for Potential Applicants
Plan your annual spends to qualify for the annual fee waiver.
Maximize your rewards by using the card for all eligible retail and international spends.
Take full advantage of the unlimited lounge access, golf, and dining benefits.
Overall, the Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card is the ultimate status symbol for India’s elite travelers and high spenders, delivering unmatched luxury and convenience for those who can unlock its full potential.
This Review Provides A Balanced View Of The Card's Strengths And Weaknesses, Helping Readers Make Informed Decisions About Whether The Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card Aligns With Their
Spending Habits And Financial Goals.
Gyro 3.O
Gyro - Your Financial Compass Is A Constantly Updating Financial Insights Engine That Aggregates Data From Various Sources To Provide Up-To-Date insights On Banking Products. Cashon.cards Offers Blogs, Videos, And Podcasts To Help Users Make Informed Financial Decisions.